Rugby League World Cup 2030 location confirmed, big tier change revealed

The International Rugby League has officially confirmed that the United States and the Pacific region will host the 2030 Rugby League World Cup. IRL chairman Tony Grant announced that the Australian Rugby League Commission and NRL will organize the five-week tournament across five cities using a Magic Round format. Concurrently, France will stage the 2030 Wheelchair World Cup.

The tournament will expand to 12 men's and 10 women's teams. Additionally, the IRL board voted to begin elevating Tonga and Samoa to Tier 1 status and updated eligibility rules to permit qualification via great-grandparents.